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Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

Also referred as
Thyroid Function Test-Free
For women
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A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test offers a series of blood tests that measure the levels of free form of thyroid hormones in the blood. This test is used to identify the functioning of the thyroid gland and measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine.

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No special preparation is required.
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Understanding Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck that produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are responsible for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions. The production and release of these hormones are controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland.

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test is used to assess how well your thyroid gland is working and aid in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Your doctor may advise this test if you show any symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and rapid heartbeat, or hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin. It is also important for pregnant women to have healthy amounts of thyroid hormones to ensure the healthy development of their babies. Therefore, screening with a TFT-Free test may be recommended for pregnant women.

No special preparations are needed for this test. Usually, you do not need to stop taking your thyroid medication before taking this test. However, let your doctor know about all the medications you take as some of them can affect thyroid function. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a commonly taken over-the-counter supplement that can lead to some aberrancy in your thyroid function test results even when the values are normal. Therefore, avoid taking biotin two days before this test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

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What does Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measure?

Contains 3 tests

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measures the levels of three hormones in the blood, namely triiodothyronine hormone (T3) free, thyroxine hormone (T4) free, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). T3 and T4 are thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body. On the other hand, TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 hormones. T3 and T4 circulate in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (does not attach to any protein). The serum levels of the thyroid hormones and TSH have an inverse relationship, i.e., low T4 (as observed in hypothyroidism) and high T4 (as seen in hyperthyroidism) levels are associated with high and low TSH levels, respectively.

A TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test measures the levels of TSH hormone in the blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Its function is to stimulate and regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. It signals the thyroid gland to increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (essential for regulating our body’s metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and growth) when their levels are low or high, respectively. Therefore, when the levels of T3 & T4 decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. This high TSH level in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormones (T3 & T4); the vice-versa happens when the levels of thyroid hormones increase.

Know more about TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive

A Thyroxine - Free test measures the free form of thyroxine (T4) hormone made by the thyroid gland. T4 hormone exists in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (not attached to proteins). Most of the T4 hormone circulating in the blood is bound to proteins and only a small part is free. A delicate balance of bound and free T4 should be maintained to ensure the proper functioning of the body.

Know more about Thyroxine - Free

A Triiodothyronine Free test measures the levels of free triiodothyronine (T3), a hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland. T3 hormone plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism, energy levels, and growth & development. It exists in the blood in two forms: free T3 and bound T3. Only a small portion of T3 is in the free form (not bound to proteins) and can be utilized by the body’s tissues, whereas more than 99% T3 is bound to proteins, such as albumin and thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), which prevent it from entering into the tissues. The body maintains a balance between bound and free T3 to ensure proper functioning. 

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FAQs related to Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test helps evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland and diagnose or monitor thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This test can help your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, determine appropriate treatment, and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment over time.
No, fasting is not needed before taking this test. However, your doctor will guide you if any special preparation is required.
A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test along with other tests is usually recommended during pregnancy to measure the levels of thyroid hormones, as thyroid disorders can complicate pregnancy.
There is generally no risk associated with this test. However, as a needle is used to prick and take a blood sample, rarely you may experience bleeding, swelling, or blood collection under the skin, which is usually self-limiting.
Symptoms of thyroid disorders can vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Whereas, common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin.
Free T3 and free T4 flow through the bloodstream independently. Because these free forms of T3 and T4 can interact with the body’s tissues, they are often considered a better indicator of thyroid function when used alongside other thyroid hormone tests.
The foods/nutrients which are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods, such as tofu and tempeh; certain vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and spinach; fruits and starchy plants, such as sweet potatoes, peaches, and strawberries; and nuts and seeds, like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.
Several additional tests can be performed along with a TFT-Free test. These tests include a thyroid antibodies test that helps to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease and distinguish it from other conditions of the thyroid such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, calcitonin test that diagnoses C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer, thyroglobulin test that primarily monitors the treatment and recurrence of thyroid cancer, and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) test that evaluates the patients with abnormal levels of T3 and T4.

Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test price for other cities

Price inAhmedabadRs. 450
Price inAllahabadRs. 450
Price inAmritsarRs. 450
Price inBangaloreRs. 450
Price inBhopalRs. 450

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Contains 3 tests
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive
Thyroxine - Free
Triiodothyronine Free